Academic excellence within a developmentally responsive middle school should be well rounded in every aspect as well as motivate students to thrive in their educational responsibilities. Educators, "must endeavor to stimulate in the child a love for learning, an attitude of inquiry, a passion for truth and beauty, a questioning mind. The learning of right answers isn't enough." (Alexander, Dr. William, 1963, NMSA, 2010, Pg.3) However, academic excellence doesn't arrive from only the efforts of educators. Students must be engaged in their learning process and have the "want" to learn. To be positive that a middle school is implementing developmental responsiveness there are a variety of methods that will be used to strive for academic excellence; using a wide range of instructional strategies to meet all learning needs, spiking student interest and the emphasis of individual learning growth rather than the comparison of students into one another.
Cedar Grove Middle School showed:
  • The school's vision statement, "Cedar Grove Middle School will be a leader among other educational institutions, providing ample opportunities for student success, ensuring quality teaching experiences, and respectfully serving their communities we respect."
  • Cedar Grove Middle School Beliefs...
- Hard work and High expectations
- Celebrate differences
- Personal and academic excellence
- Community and family involvement
- Emotionally and physically healthy choices
- Utilizing technology in a global society.
  • High attendance rates
  • Highly qualifies teachers
  • No acts of crime and violence out of total school population
  • Low teacher turnover rates